Update on the Helensburgh Cemetery portico decision

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the discussion about the future of the 1960s portico entrance at Helensburgh Cemetery. We acknowledge the significance of the cemetery to many in the community and the need to ensure it remains a safe, respectful, and accessible site for all.

Following a review of expert assessments, community feedback, and broader site considerations, Council has decided to remove the portico and reinstate the original driveway.

Why was this decision made?

The portico has remained fenced off since it was damaged by an oversized vehicle, creating ongoing access issues. Council sought to understand community preferences before making a final decision on the portico’s future. This feedback was considered alongside structural and heritage assessments, safety concerns, access and financial impacts.

While we recognise that some may be disappointed by the decision, removing the structure will ensure safer and more reliable access to the site while maintaining the cemetery’s character.

All feedback is important and is one factor in the decision-making process for Council. This graphic shows some of the factors we consider in our decision making:

For this project we considered:

Access and maintenance
With the portico unusable, all vehicles, including hearses, have had to use an unsealed laneway via Frew Avenue, which is not Council-owned and is difficult to maintain. This laneway has been particularly problematic during wet weather, when it becomes potholed and hazardous.

Heritage considerations
A 2024 Heritage Report confirmed that the 1960s portico is not of heritage significance. Council considered two options:

• Option A: Remove the portico, reinstate the entrance gates, and improve landscaping. This was the more practical and cost-effective option.
• Option B: Restore the portico for small vehicles and construct a new access road on the western side, requiring vegetation removal and risking disturbance to nearby graves.

What we heard
Community feedback was varied. While the online poll showed a preference for retaining the portico, in-person engagement at community events and written submissions presented more evenly split views. The Engagement Report summarises how we engaged with the community and the responses received.

What’s next?

• As the cemetery is a local heritage item, a Development Application (DA) was submitted in March 2025 for the removal of the portico and driveway reinstatement. Work will begin once approval is granted.
• Improvements to fencing and parking on Cemetery Road will also be carried out.
• Signage will be installed to acknowledge the portico’s history.

Share your memories

We recognise the portico’s place in Helensburgh’s history and invite community members to share photos and personal reflections. With permission, some contributions may be featured on new signage at the Cemetery or included in the Library’s Local Studies collection to document the portico’s story for future generations. Contributions will be accepted through our engagement webpage until 30 June 2025.

If you have any further questions or would like more information about this decision, please contact council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au(External link) or phone 4227 7111.

Thank you for your interest in this project as we work towards making Helensburgh Cemetery safer and more accessible for everyone.